Shadwell was bought by H H Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum twenty five years ago. The stud estate located just outside Thetford in Norfolk had previously been owned by the Musker family. The racing and breeding of thoroughbred horses had been engrained in the Estate’s history for over a hundred years.

At the time of purchase, two studs were located on the Estate itself; Melton Paddocks, the public sector stud, and Snarehill which had been kept with Musker’s private mares.

Over the last twenty five years there has been a major rebuilding and extension of the original facilities. The Nunnery, built to house 6 stallions and their visiting mares, was developed from land that was bought adjacent to the original estate. This is now home to the resident stallions Green Desert, Sakhee, Nayef, Haafhd and Aqlaam, who will be standing in his first season in 2010.

The private mares and foals are split between Elmswell Park Stud, Salsabil Stud and Beech House Stud in Newmarket. These locations are separate from the main office and administrative headquarters but all form part of the Shadwell operation.

In addition to the thoroughbreds, there is a large rest and rehabilitation operation based around Snarehill. This caters for the rehabilitation of injured racehorses as well as the breaking and early training for horses going into training.

Sheikh Hamdan also has enormous interest in Arabian horse racing and Endurance. This has meant that additional facilities have been created for the breeding and care of the young Arab horses destined for racing and for the visiting endurance teams that come in from Dubai each summer.

The success of Shadwell, under the leadership of H H Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has made it famous worldwide. After twenty five years, the success of the Shadwell bred horses has left its mark in every corner of the World.